The 53 nations who make up the group have criticised the sustained emergency rule. At the same time, the Chinese president sends a message of support to General Musharraf.

Kampala (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Pakistan was yesterday suspended from the 53 nations which make up the Commonwealth, given that President Musharraf has failed to revoke emergency proclaimed Nov. 3 last. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), the group reviewing the status of Pakistan's membership defined the crises “a serious violation of the Commonwealth's fundamental values”. Secretary General Don McKinnon said Pakistan was being suspended "pending restoration of democracy and the rule of law”. The statement also said the "decision was taken in sorrow, not in anger", at Islamabad’s decision to ignore the Commonwealth’s requests. 

International pressure has been mounting since president Musharraf declared the state of emergency, with calls for a return to democracy which have been ignored while the arrests of protesters and op position members continue. 

While suspension has few practical consequences, analysts say it could further isolate Pakistan and discourage foreign investment.  Despite this internal sources have said that “if the elections take place in January without any problems then Pakistan will be re-admitted”. 

In the meantime however Musharraf has received the support of Chinese president Hu Jintao who in fact yesterday sent a message stating he “completely understood the efforts that the government was making to guarantee the nations’ stability”.  Beijing and Islamabad are long standing allies: according to some China is the main supplier of nuclear technology and arms to Pakistan.

 

 

• commonwealth
• pakistan
• china
• suspension
• emergency
• rule
• democracy